Behavioral Health Nurse I/II
Department of Health & Human Services
Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the Department of Health & Human Services!
Job Highlights:-
Assesses patients upon admission to unit and makes presentation of physical and behavioral condition findings to attending physicians.
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Provides professional nursing care to patients; observes and charts vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.
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Provides equipment and supplies required for patient examination or treatment; observes and records patient reactions and behaviors and explains procedures.
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Administers oral and hypodermic medications and observes and records their effects; obtains and records all orders from physician to facilitate patient treatment.
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Participates in the preparation of the nursing component of patient treatment plans, including physical assessments on new patients, as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team; oversees and participates in evaluation and therapeutic activities.
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Performs crisis intervention, in person and on the phone, management of assaultive behavior, and general counseling; coordinates or arranges for the provision of needed services, including emergency detention when patient is in danger to self or others.
Work Location:
This position is located at 720 Wood Street in Eureka, CA.
Work Hours:
Varies, 12 hours shifts, Day or Nights
DEFINITION
Under general supervision (I) or direction (II), performs and provides professional nursing and behavioral health care for clients of the County’s in-patient behavioral health facility, correctional facilities, and out-patient behavioral health programs; collaborates with other medical staff and interdisciplinary health treatment teams to evaluate and prepare treatment plans; may provide direction and oversight of nursing activities as assigned; at the II level, may be assigned as a nurse preceptor and/or nurse educator to promote professional development and growth along the continuum from nursing novice to expert; when assigned to Quality Improvement, evaluates current policies and procedures and makes recommendations for improvement and necessary changes; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision (Behavioral Health Nurse I) or direction (Behavioral Health Nurse II) from a Supervising Behavioral Health Nurse or other assigned supervisory or management personnel. Provides training and may exercise technical and functional direction over lower-level staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Behavioral Health Nurse I: This is the entry-level classification in the Behavioral Health Nurse series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine behavioral health nursing duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties of the positions at the II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.
Behavioral Health Nurse II: This is the journey-level classification in the Behavioral Health Nurse series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions at the II level may be assigned as a nurse preceptor and/or nurse educator.
This class is distinguished from the Supervising Behavioral Health Nurse in that the latter is the full supervisory classification with responsibilities for the supervision and evaluation of assigned staff.
Positions in the Behavioral Health Nurse class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II level are typically filled by advancement from the I level after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for, and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of, the higher-level classification.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Mobility to work in a standard office setting, or clinical setting, and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and medical equipment; standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required, and travel to visit outpatient and rural clinics may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 45 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff..
Vision to assess emergency situations, including medical incidents and to read printed materials and a computer screen.
Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone
Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office and medical equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office, out-patient, clinic, jail, juvenile facility, or locked behavioral health facility environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
Employees may work outdoors and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels and cold and/or hot temperatures.
Employees interact with clients with behavioral disorders/erratic and assaultive behavior, including those which require emergency crisis intervention.
Incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids in performing their assigned duties.
Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e., background screening, physical examination, etc.).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.
Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application?
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You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.
Can I change my application after submitting it?
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No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.
How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?
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You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don't miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application's progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or [email protected].
Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?
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Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.
If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS
Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES
Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.
